The Boston Red Sox made several key upgrades during the MLB offseason, particularly strengthening their bullpen.
Boston’s relievers struggled in 2024, posting a 4.39 ERA—ranking 24th in the league. This prompted chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to prioritize bullpen reinforcements, adding veterans Aroldis Chapman, Matt Moore, and Adam Ottavino to improve the unit.
Despite Opening Day 2025 being just around the corner, Breslow has continued making moves to bolster the bullpen.
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox signed former Yankees right-hander Nick Burdi to a minor-league contract late Friday night. Cotillo later clarified that Burdi is not part of Boston’s big-league non-roster invitees.
Burdi, 32, has battled injuries for much of his career. A second-round pick in 2014, he has managed just 31 MLB appearances over the last five seasons due to multiple setbacks, including two Tommy John surgeries and an emergency appendectomy.
In 2024, Burdi spent most of the season in Triple-A with the Yankees but impressed in limited MLB action, posting a 1.86 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings. However, a hip injury in May ended his season prematurely.
Now with the Red Sox, Burdi hopes to regain his form. Known for his high-velocity fastball and strikeout ability, his biggest challenge remains staying healthy. Given his late addition to the roster, he is expected to begin 2025 with Triple-A Worcester, aiming for a call-up later in the season.